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Rooting for Boston, and Team MR8

I'm not usually one to get swept up in marathon excitement, but this year is an exception, for obvious reasons. It seems appropriate that Marathon Day in Boston falls on Easter Monday, so more of us around the country can share in that local holiday and root for the city.

I'm especially invested, albeit from a distance, because my sister-in-law is running with Team MR8, a group of runners that honors the memory of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in last year's bombing. They've raised over $1 million for the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation, created in Martin's memory to "honor Martin's message of 'No more hurting people - peace' by investing in education, athletics and community." (Donate here!)

Diane is quoted in this article in the National Catholic Register about MR8 and the Richard family, about whom she says, "Their faith is utterly amazing." I've been inspired by their strength in the year since the tragedy, and I will be praying for them today.

I'm hoping we'll get a local update from Luke Hill. Until then, stay strong, Boston, and godspeed, Team MR8!

Comments

What would really be something would be if the victims of the Boston bombing would recognize their common bond with the victims of our bombings.Just this week end at least 3 civilians and countless militias people have been killed by US air strikes. Perhaps by having their arms and legs blown off too or burning to death Unlike the victims of the horrific Boston bombing though, the civilians are nameless, faceless ,and humanless.That too is horrific.

Did it somehow seem appropriate to anyone else that the winner this year was an immigrant, a US citizen, who demonstrated what is good in this country, after what happened last year. Meb was the first American to win the Marathon (to those of us who grew up in Boston it will always be "The Marathon") those Johnny-come-lately events in other places can go by such names as New York or Houston..) in 31 years. I think he represented the United States most appropriately.

At Mass this morning, our celebrant said that the Boston Marathon was a modern version of the Easter Story, appropriately happening on Easter Monday. Whereas last year's tragedy was a Good Friday experience for so many, the strength and perseverance displayed this year brought great joy.